How common are painful periods in pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease may also cause lower abdominal tenderness, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, or discomfort when passing urine. Some people have mild symptoms or no obvious symptoms, so painful periods alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask about period changes, sexual health, pregnancy possibility, fever, and previous infections before arranging an examination or tests.

Arrange a medical assessment if period pain is new, becoming stronger, or occurring with discharge or pelvic tenderness. Until you are assessed, record when the pain starts, where it is located, how long it lasts, and any bleeding or fever. Avoid sex until a clinician advises you, particularly if an infection is suspected. Treatment may involve prescribed antibiotics and assessment or treatment of sexual partners; complete prescribed medicines even if symptoms improve.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or rapidly worsening pelvic pain, fainting, dizziness, heavy bleeding, persistent vomiting, a high temperature, or feeling very unwell. Get prompt assessment if you could be pregnant, because pelvic pain with pregnancy needs careful evaluation.

Ask whether your symptoms fit pelvic inflammatory disease, which tests are appropriate, whether pregnancy testing is needed, when sexual activity is safe, and whether a partner should be tested or treated.